PCB PUNISHES Mohammad Rizwan & Imam-ul-Haq; set to send them home amid ENG vs PAK series - Reports
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Mohammad Rizwan has struggled in ENG vs PAK Test series.
Pakistan’s Test campaign in England has taken a dramatic turn after the visitors suffered two strangling losses in the two matches of the three-match Test series. Another comprehensive defeat at Lord’s followed the loss at Headingley, leaving Pakistan with no chance of winning the series.
The Lord’s defeat exposed several weaknesses in the Pakistan batting order. They were eventually dismissed for 110 runs in the first innings and were then bowled out for 194 runs in the second, despite Suad Shakeel contributing heavily with a 97-run knock. Pakistan lost the match by a massive margin of 194 runs.
With the final Test scheduled to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9, Pakistan are now left with the opportunity to avoid a series whitewash. Reports have suggested that the team management and selectors have started to consider some significant changes after the disappointing performance in the matches played so far.
Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan set to return to Pakistan – Reports
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One of the biggest reported changes concerns Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan. According to reports by Saleem Khaliq, the renowned journalist, both Pakistani players are expected to return home rather than continue in the squad for the final match of the series.
Imam’s situation is particularly understandable from a fitness perspective. However, the PCB is likely to start investigating the fitness-related concerns surrounding the Pakistani batter. He was unavailable to bat across both innings of the Lord’s Test, which further weakened Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Rizwan, on the other hand, has come under scrutiny following Pakistan’s poor performances in England. The reported departures could force Pakistan to turn to less experienced but fresher talents who could potentially shape their red-ball combination.
Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas, the two youngsters, are likely to be called in alongside six other Pakistani players for the final match of the series.
Mike Hesson to take over responsibilities in England
Alongside the reported changes to the player combination, the Pakistan team has considered reshaping their strategy by bringing on board a fresher perspective. Hence, Mike Hesson has been called in to take charge of the Pakistani Test team ahead of the upcoming final Test against England.
Hesson is the white-ball coach of the Pakistani side, and the PCB is looking to expand his duties to oversee the Test side, following a series defeat to England. However, current coach Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to remain associated with the side.
Did Pakistan lose the Test series against England?
Yes, Pakistan lost the Test series 2-0 at Lord’s.
Who has been Pakistan’s highest scorer in the ENG vs PAK Test series?
Saud Shakeel is Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in the ongoing 2026 Test series against England, with 139 runs across his innings.
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Subhomoy Datta has been a sports writer since 2022. He holds a BSc in Microbiology from Rastraguru Surendranath College, WBSU, and is currently pursuing his master’s at NIT Surathkal. With a growing interest in sports journalism, he enjoys following the game closely and turning sporting moments into stories for fans.